Ruthless England Demolish South Africa in World Cup First Match

Women's Cricket World Cup, Indian venue

South Africa 69 (20.4 overs): Jafta 22 (36); Smith 3-7

English team 73-0 (14.1 overs): Jones 40* (50), Beaumont 21* (35)

England won by 10 wickets

England bowled South Africa out for just 69 as they made a winning start to their global tournament campaign with a dominant 10-wicket thrashing in the host city.

Left-arm spinner Smith was the pick of the bowlers with impressive figures, dismissing key batters of Laura Wolvaardt, top-order batter Brits and star all-rounder.

Jafta was the only batter to score above ten in a dismal batting performance which saw South Africa dismissed for their third-lowest ODI total in under 21 overs.

Skipper Sciver-Brunt took two wickets in her first competitive bowling spell since a major series, while slow bowlers Ecclestone and Dean also picked up two wickets apiece.

Jones and Tammy Beaumont then cruised to their target in just over 14 overs, having begun carefully on a tricky surface, ending on 40 and 21.

Following earlier setbacks and losses against a strong opponent, England needed a strong start to their key tournament under fresh captaincy.

They delivered with a statement win, crushing their below-par opponents which was magnificently set up by Smith leading the way, and others joined in.

Bell had the challenging role of opening the bowling in tough conditions and gave away early runs, but the spinner immediately dragged things back as the captain chipped the ball straight back.

Smith was unwavering in accuracy and was rewarded by dismissing the in-form Brits and experienced player with deliveries that beat the bat.

Doubts existed over the captain's return to form, but she immediately silenced those doubts with Bosch dismissed leg-before.

The Proteas only managed six boundaries, with Jafta hitting three, but their chances faded when de Klerk was taken in the slips.

The Proteas' display was indicative of an inconsistent batting surface, but the English batters showed patience and discipline to demonstrate scoring was feasible.

Pursuing a small target meant that their scoring rate would be boosted regardless of how hard they attacked, and there were very few risks taken as they negotiated the experienced Kapp.

Part-time spinner Tryon shared the new ball, implying South Africa were realizing an error with their team choice.

The opening pair reunited at the top and started exceptionally with back-to-back stands earlier, so a 10-wicket win is a welcome boost of confidence for the duo.

She was not at her best, below her usual standard on the uneven surface, but she was able to control her aggression by keeping the scoreboard ticking.

With India and Australia as pre-tournament favourites, it is likely that the rest of the group stages will see England, South Africa and New Zealand scrapping for the last two semi-final spots.

England spinner and top performer Smith: "I'm very pleased with how we did. Opening the bowling was a difficult task but the conditions suited me and I am proud I did well."

"We have great ability in the squad. We all bring varied skills of the game so we can keep learning and growing as a unit."

Skipper Sciver-Brunt: "Massively pleased. Everyone was fully focused in the field. A few first ball wickets as well. A captain's dream."

"She stuck to her strengths. She can move it and we knew she was a good match-up. It was really crucial to dismiss the openers."

South Africa captain Wolvaardt: "It is not the way we wanted to begin the campaign."

"Not our best work with the bat but we have remained the same team. We have shown resilience before and we will move on quickly."